To improve order at Latvia’s external land border and reduce waiting times, from 1 October drivers will be required to register in an online queue before crossing the external land border. Drivers planning to cross the border with a vehicle will need to register in advance online, selecting the border checkpoint, date, and time. This is stipulated by the amendments to the Law on the State Border of the Republic of Latvia, approved in the final reading by the Saeima on Thursday, 19 June.

In order to strengthen national security and prevent potential threats to its interests, on Thursday, 19 June, the Saeima adopted in the final reading a new law prohibiting Russia and Belarus and their citizens from purchasing real estate in Latvia.

In an effort to simplify the establishment and operation of businesses, the threshold for in-kind contributions that require expert valuation when founding a limited liability company (SIA) has been raised, according to amendments to the Commercial Law approved in the third and final reading by the Saeima on Thursday, 19 June.

In anticipation of the NATO Summit in The Hague, and in light of the Saeima’s unequivocal stance supporting Ukraine’s territorial integrity, sovereignty, and Euro-Atlantic integration, on Thursday, 19 June, the Saeima adopted a statement on inviting Ukraine to join NATO.

On Thursday, 19 June, the Saeima adopted in the final reading a law ratifying The Ljubljana–The Hague Convention on International Cooperation in the Investigation and Prosecution of Genocide, Crimes against Humanity, War Crimes and other International Crimes.

On Thursday, 12 June, the Saeima adopted, in the third and  final reading, amendments enabling the Ministry of Economics to authorise organisations representing start-ups to carry out measures aimed at improving the business environment in the sector.

On Thursday, 12 June, the Saeima adopted, in the final reading, amendments to the Credit Institutions Law aimed at reinforcing the use of the official state language in credit institutions. 

On Thursday, 12 June, the Saeima adopted, in the final reading, a law prohibiting travel to Russia and Belarus for a defined group of public administration officials and Members of the Saeima. The Defence, Internal Affairs and Corruption Prevention Committee, responsible for the draft law, had previously emphasised that under the current circumstances, travel to Russia and Belarus is extremely dangerous. 

On Tuesday, 10 June, the Saeima hosted a presentation of a study prepared by its Analytical Service, titled “Towards More Efficient Public Administration: How to Harness the Potential of Artificial Intelligence?”. The study concluded that artificial intelligence (AI) technologies could significantly enhance the efficiency of Latvia’s public administration. However, successful integration requires a well-defined strategy, the necessary skills, and a trustworthy data environment.